"Providing treatment for torture survivors is one of the best ways we can show our commitment to fighting human rights abuses around the world."

-Senator Paul Wellstone

Torture is the most effective weapon against democracy. It is practiced worldwide by governments and rebel forces as a political weapon to destroy leaders and terrorize communities. But there is hope.

The Torture Victims Relief Act funds torture treatment centers for survivors who now live in the U.S. – urgently needed funds that help survivors heal from their wounds and reclaim their lives. It also provides funds to treatment centers for torture survivors in other countries - reclaiming leaders who will stand for freedom and the rule of law.

We need your help.  For several years, funding for torture treatment programs in the United States has remained static at $10 million through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).  With 500,000 torture survivors in the U.S., treatment programs face requests for services far exceeding resources. In addition, the United States is committed to taking 12,000 Iraqi refugees in 2008.  Sources indicate these refugees will have higher rates of torture than other recent refugee arrivals.

The House will soon take up the Emergency Supplemental bill for fiscal year 2008.  Please urge your Representative to support an additional $10 million to the torture fund through ORR to meet the unique needs of Iraqi refugees, who fled persecution due to their assistance to US service persons.

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Sample Letter: 

Dear Representative __________________:

As your constituent, I urge you to support an additional $10 million for the Torture Victims Relief Act (TVRA) in the fiscal year 2008 Emergency Supplemental bill to provide for the unique needs of Iraqi refugees.

Torture is a weapon of fear used to destroy leaders and terrorize communities.  Treatment for survivors can undo the legacy of torture, reclaiming leaders who stand with us in promoting human rights and the rule of law.

The United States committed to resettling 12,000 Iraqi refugees in 2008.  Many of them fled persecution and violence due to their assistance to of U.S. servicepersons. A number of sources indicate these refugees have higher rates of torture than other recent refugee arrivals.

Yet funding for the Torture Victims Relief Act has remained static for years, with only $10 million appropriated for distribution through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). With 500,000 torture survivors in the United States, domestic treatment programs have long waiting lists and face demand for services that far exceed resources.

Domestic torture treatment centers help torture survivors rebuild their lives and become productive, contributing members of our community. They also train mainstream health and human service providers, leveraging a small amount of funds to maximum effect. Without additional funds to provide for the needs of vulnerable Iraq refugees, treatment centers and community services will be overwhelmed.

The president’s budget includes $10 million for torture treatment through ORR. Please support appropriating an additional $10 million in the FY 2008 Emergency Supplemental for the Torture Fund through ORR to address the unique mental health needs of Iraqi refugees.

Sincerely,

(Name)
(Address)